Coin of Nicomedia under Julia Domna 193 - 217

Editor: This is a coin from Nicomedia, likely dating back to the time of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. It's small, worn, and yet... impactful. What symbols do you recognize, and how do you interpret this work? Curator: The portrait of Julia Domna, even in this eroded state, conveys power and imperial authority. Consider the reverse side: do you see the figure seated on a throne? This likely represents a local deity, a means of integrating Roman rule with existing belief systems. Editor: So, it's about cultural negotiation? Curator: Precisely. The coin acted as a symbol, uniting the image of the empress with local religious figures. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how the Roman Empire maintained control through visual language and cultural memory. Editor: I never thought of coins as tools of cultural integration. Curator: Indeed, every image tells a story, if you learn how to see it.